Things to Know About Agents in General and Why You Should or Shouldn’t Get One
LA Acting Schools even the best acting school in Los Angeles rarely teach their students how it is outside the four corners of their classrooms. Learning how to act is as important as how to survive the acting industry and learning a thing or two about the people you will deal with outside will help a new actor navigate the business.
The talent agents job is to guide you through the process on how to nail a job, they do not only know the in and out of the business, they will represent you during legal matters like the signing of the contract, and the best part of getting an agent is the connection they have. They will be your bridge to knowing people you need to know in the industry.
Here are some good to know information you need to learn about getting an agent:
Not every individual gets to work their dream job, for some, they learn to love what they do, and that is the usual story that Agents Representing Actors have.
The commission agent gets whenever his/her actor receives a check goes directly to the company that employs the agent, and your agent gets a salary, not the whole commission.
Keep in mind that your agent is your very own PR slash Marketing Team in one, they get you slots for an audition and whatnot, your job is to book it!
Agents read a lot of scripts, not because they want to but because it is part of their work.
Agents necessarily don't work for just 8 to 9 hours a day, they work 8 to 9 hours plus as needed by their actors, if it meant they have to stay up for 24 hours then they will.
From the information I provided above, you probably have an idea why would you need an agent, but let me list it for your here:
Commission, yes they charge by a commission which they deduct from your earnings as an actor.
They know people who can get you to places, they have connections you can't count, they will be your bridge to success. The only downside of finding a talent agent, they are where the demand for work is high, meaning if you are living outside the city or in a suburban place and you are not ready to leave your hometown, then you probably are on your own in your journey. Don't panic, if you like reading and are good in research then better start now.
To be fair, here are the downside of getting an agent:
When you have an agent, it doesn't mean he/she will take care of everything for you, if you want someone who will manage you closely then better get a manager.
If your agent makes promises that are too good to be true, then those are probably are. Do your research before signing with one.
Hiring an agent means connecting you to possibilities of getting a job, that doesn't mean they will get the job for you. You agent is your marketing and PR team, he/she will market you to people he/she knows in the industry and possibly get you auditions, what you need to do is showcase what you have and book it.
Putting yourself on the shoe of the agent you will sign with will create a better working environment for the two of you! There is a lot more to learn and the best way to do that is to do your research and hear it from people who have gone through the same thing. Experience is the best tutor but it doesn't mean you have to go through it.